Ukraine shelter Enkhuizen moves to football complex: “They are now really becoming homes”

Since August last year, a group of 150 Ukrainians have been staying in small residential units on the ice rink on Gerard Brandtweg. The arrival did not go completely without a fight. In winter weather it was possible not be skated. But more importantly for many local residents, the concern was that the shelter would not become temporary, but permanent.

Mayor Eduard van Zuijlen promised during a well-attended and eventful information evening that it would be for a maximum of two years and that he would commit himself to finding another location. A promise that is now being fulfilled. The shelter will be located on the rear football field, right next to the Enkhuizer Strand campsite of EuroParcs.

Councilor Jan Franx is pleased that a solution has been found. “They will be full-fledged homes, social housing. No longer shared facilities, but with their own kitchen, toilet and bathroom.” The mayor adds: “We can no longer allow those people to remain in this situation. The homes are also not suitable for long-term living. The new location must really become a neighborhood.”

Super-flex homes

Super-flex homes were chosen because construction is taking place outside the dike and close to the IJsselmeer. This type of housing can be removed within 48 hours if necessary. These are multi-person homes (2, 4 and 6 people) and are therefore intended for families.

Text continues below the photo.

Space for 176 people, not everyone moves with us

And that does have consequences for the Ukrainians. Because single refugees have to move to the shelter in Hoogkarspel. Families sitting there then take the opposite route. “We understand that not everyone will be satisfied and that it is an unpleasant message for some,” Mayor Van Zuijlen acknowledges.

Due to the dimensions of the houses, standard beds are supplied. Furthermore, the new residents can furnish it themselves. In total there is room for 176 people. There will also be a building for gatherings and a place for an administrator.

Later there will be room for emergency seekers and status holders

Alderman Franx is satisfied that the super-flex homes can remain there for ten years and that there will eventually also be room for status holders and emergency seekers from their own municipality. “We will get to work as quickly as possible, because there is still a lot that needs to be done. There will be a separate entrance, there will be electricity, just to name a few things. It will really be a residential area with small gardens.”

The homes will be placed in November and December. All Ukrainian refugees should have moved to their new homes by the end of the year. The ice rink will then be restored to its original state. Since there is still quite a lot of work to be done, the municipality expects that it should be ready at least before the summer.

Text continues below the photo

Does the football club benefit?

The move has no financial consequences for Enkhuizen. The costs for the relocation and reception of the Ukrainian refugees are fully reimbursed by the government.

What it will mean for football club SV remains to be seen. The complex has been in need of renovation for some time now. The municipality suddenly withdrew plans for an additional artificial turf field at the beginning of this year, to the dismay of the football club, due to increased costs. The municipality does not yet want to say whether that field might still be available in return. “We have good consultations with SV Enkhuizen,” is all councilor Franx wanted to say about it.